So I honestly feel dumb asking this, but I don't really know how it works.

I have a 2011 jku unlimited, and I wanna run 33"s on it with maybe a leveling kit or a 2.5 lift at most right now... So I see the rim I want and it comes in 16x8 with a 4.5 backspacing and I also see it 17x9 with a 4.625 backspacing... Which would be best and why? Thanks for your help!!

 

Well to my best explanation is comparing a 4.5 BS to a 4.625 BS the smaller the number of BS the farther out it is moving the rim away from the jeep
So if you had a 4.5 BS and added a 1.5 wheel spacer would be like almost running a 3.0 BS rim
Most people on here recommend a 4.5 BS but with my experience once you go with a wider tire than 12.5 you might consider a rim with a 4.0 BS to make up for width of tire.

 

So you would say the 16x8 is better for me to run 33s on?

 

If you are thinking of how wide 33's? And later on are you considering 35s? Then I'd suggest going wider rims like a 16x8.5 or 16x9
But 33's are usually narrow tires and a 16x8 would be fine

 

Yeah down the road I'm sure I'll to 35s so the 17x9 would be better even tho the backspacing is 4.625 and not 4.5?

 

I'd try to stay with 4.5 or less BS

 

There's a sticky on it.

https://www.jk-forum.com/forums/modi...17/#post211274

 

The 16x9 and 17x9 numbers are referring to size of the rim so the first number has to match the last number of the tire you're wanting to run so if you want to run say a 33x12r16 you would need the 16x9 rim

 

4.625 = 4 5/8" 4.5 = 4 1/2" Negligible difference in MOST cases. 1/8 of inch.

 

Unless he wants a certain 35 inch tire later and that style is only avail in 13.5 or wider
I'd stick to the most 4.5